Football: Theft leaves Penn Wood reeling

Troy Brooks was still steaming about the recent acts of vandalism that occurred sometime over the weekend at Kerr Field in Yeadon. How could you blame the Penn Wood football coach?

As of Tuesday night, Yeadon Police Department was investigating the incident that resulted in the loss of hundreds of dollars' worth of football equipment, putting Brooks, the football team and the William Penn School District in a bind as the Patriots prepare to host West Chester East Friday morning.

Brooks, who wants nothing but the best for the 45 players he's responsible for on the field, couldn't comprehend the motive behind the act. The incident comes about four months after Penn Wood High School's Green Avenue campus was set on fire in the early morning hours of April 18, followed by a bomb threat one week later at the district's Cypress Street campus.

"How do you steal from kids? It really, really kills me and makes me mad,' Brooks said. "I just don't understand how somebody can do that. I don't get it. I want answers; we all want someone to come forward and speak.'

Penn Wood resumed practice Tuesday afternoon. Fourteen helmets and shoulder pads were taken from the storage room at Kerr Field. Other equipment and necessities — Gatorade coolers, football bags and a field generator — were also removed.

"My seniors, especially, are very angry,' Brooks said. "They're all asking the same questions.'

Advertisement

Brooks asked his players to pass along any information they have regarding the apparent theft. He said he told his players to "put your ears to the ground' and notify him immediately if they heard anything or happened upon any information as to who might be responsible.

"We're trying to recover everything that was stolen from these boys,' Brooks said. "I'm tired ... so tired of being (attacked). We need somebody to talk. Why? Why would you do that? It pains me.'

While the investigation is ongoing, Brooks said the school is working with Riddell to express ship new equipment in time for Friday morning's game. Kickoff at Kerr Field is slated for 11.

"They thought by jimmying the door, they could get in. They broke locks,' Brooks said. "The kids are angry right now and we don't have a clue who is responsible.

"It's our job as coaches ... we try to keep these kids in a safe environment. We don't ask for this.'

Brooks, who is entering his third season, had enough on his plate already in terms of rebuilding a once-proud football program. The Patriots are only three years removed from a Del Val League title and District One Class AAAA playoff appearance, yet they have stumbled to a 2-20 record since the beginning of the 2011 season.

"The kids don't want any of this,' Brooks said. "They've been working hard, trying to be better football players. And now something like this happens.'